Catawba Nation Debuts Opening Phase of Two Kings Casino Resort

The Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its Two Kings Casino Resort on May 20, 2026 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, marking a major step forward for the project that carries an estimated total cost between one and one point two five billion dollars. This introductory casino facility replaces the temporary operation that has run since 2021, and it brings expanded capacity along with new amenities designed to attract visitors traveling near Interstate 85. Observers note that teh new space includes one thousand three hundred fifty slot machines along with twenty two traditional table games and additional electronic gaming options. A sixty eight seat restaurant and an eighteen seat bar provide dining choices, while sports betting kiosks add further entertainment layers. Expanded parking areas address the increased visitor volume that the larger setup is expected to generate. Construction crews continue work on the broader resort, which includes a three hundred eighty five room hotel and additional features scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Hundreds of construction positions remain active through the current building phase, and the completed project is projected to support approximately two thousand two hundred permanent jobs once fully operational.

Background and Transition from Temporary Facility

The temporary casino that opened in 2021 served as an initial foothold for the Catawba Nation in North Carolina gaming, yet it operated with more limited floor space and fewer options than the permanent structure now coming online. People who tracked the timeline recall that the shift to the larger facility addresses growing demand from regional travelers and local residents alike.

Reports from local news outlets indicate the new phase delivers noticeable upgrades in both quantity and variety of games, while the added restaurant and bar spaces create a more complete visitor experience. Those following the development point out that the transition aligns with broader trends where tribal gaming projects expand from pilot sites into full scale resorts over several years.

Economic Contributions and Job Creation

The resort project is positioned to stimulate tourism in the Kings Mountain area, where proximity to I-85 facilitates access from Charlotte and other nearby cities. Data from project announcements show expectations of hundreds of construction roles continuing through 2026 and into 2027, followed by the larger number of ongoing positions once the full property opens.

Local business leaders have observed that increased visitor traffic often supports surrounding restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets even before the complete resort comes online. Figures released by the Catawba Nation highlight how the permanent jobs will span hospitality, gaming operations, maintenance, and guest services, creating a sustained economic presence in Cleveland County.

One study from regional economic analysts projected measurable growth in tax revenue and tourism metrics once the facility reaches full capacity, though those projections remain tied to actual visitor numbers over the coming years. The phased approach allows the casino to begin generating activity while construction on the hotel and remaining amenities proceeds.

Future Development Timeline

With the introductory phase now open, attention turns to the spring 2027 target for the three hundred eighty five room hotel and expanded amenities. Project managers have stated that the timeline accounts for standard construction milestones and regulatory reviews that accompany large scale developments in the state.

Those involved in similar projects note that integrating a full service hotel with the gaming floor typically broadens the appeal to overnight guests and conference planners. The current phase already incorporates sports betting kiosks, which connect to existing state regulations on wagering and provide an additional revenue stream from day one of operations.

Conclusion

The May 2026 opening of the first phase represents a concrete milestone for the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort, shifting from the temporary setup that operated since 2021 into a larger facility equipped for higher volume. According to coverage by WCNC, the new gaming floor, dining options, and parking improvements mark the beginning of a multi year buildout that will add a hotel and further amenities by spring 2027. Industry updates from World Casino Directory confirm the scale of job creation expected across both construction and permanent operations. The project continues to unfold in stages, with each phase contributing to the regional economy near I-85.